The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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By: Michelle Musyoka, Mount Kenya University
In many communities, girls are growing up in a world where safety is far from guaranteed. From infants to teenagers, cases of sexual violence continue to emerge with alarming frequency. Yet, despite the public outrage these stories often provoke, meaningful action to prevent such crimes or ensure justice remains painfully limited.
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This problem is not new, but the scale and brutality of some incidents continue to shock society. News reports frequently highlight girls — sometimes only a few years old, even infants — who fall victim to sexual violence. Each case sparks temporary anger and sympathy, but as the news cycle moves on, so does public attention, leaving many survivors and their families to cope with trauma alone.
What makes this crisis even more disturbing is the lack of consistent consequences for perpetrators. Suspects are often arrested only to be released due to insufficient evidence, delayed investigations, or weak legal follow-through. In some cases, families withdraw charges under pressure, due to stigma, or after receiving financial settlements from perpetrators. The result is a justice system that too often fails those it is meant to protect.
For survivors and their families, the impact is lifelong. Sexual violence leaves deep emotional and psychological scars. Young victims may struggle with trauma, fear, and mistrust, while families grapple with grief and anger. In communities where discussing such crimes is taboo, survivors may also face stigma rather than support.
Experts and activists argue that addressing this problem requires more than punishing offenders — prevention is equally critical. Education about consent, stronger child protection systems, community awareness, and faster legal processes are all essential steps. Without these measures, the cycle of abuse continues.
Communities also have a vital role to play. Silence often protects perpetrators. When cases are hidden, ignored, or dismissed as “family matters,” abusers escape accountability. Breaking that silence — through reporting, supporting survivors, and demanding justice — is key to protecting children.
Ultimately, the safety of girls cannot rely on fleeting public outrage. It requires sustained action from governments, communities, institutions, and individuals. Laws must be enforced, investigations must be thorough, and survivors must receive the support they need.
Until that happens, many girls remain vulnerable, leaving one question: how many more stories will it take before real change occurs?
